First of all, I'm so thankful for all of you, and to be part of such a loving church for 13+ years. Thanks for being who you are. What a great summer it's been! Some of my favorite summer activities include: tennis, volleyball, softball, walking and hiking.

However, I've been going through my first week of having to "take it easy" at home, and to be honest, I hate it! I recently sprained my knee in our Gateway Co-ed softball game (out 4 to 6 weeks) and have felt so incapable and almost depressed. Activity is part of my everyday life and it feels empty without it.

My only other bad injury was in high school when I pulled my hamstring while participating in track. Sports were everything to me at the time. They were my self worth, my joy, and my fill. God taught me that He needs to be those things in my life, and to be placed first above all other earthly things that we may be passionate about. 1 Timothy 4:8 - "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." Godliness has value and holds a promise for now and the future!

My phrase for the year is Seek Him First. I believe God is reminding me yet again the importance of putting Him first above everything else. How are you doing in this area? What do you spend most of your time doing or thinking about? He wants to be the center of your life. Seek Him first through spending time in the Bible, engaging in church, worshiping, praying, and listening to His voice. Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."